How to Build a Grape Vine Support Arbor

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How to Build a Grape Vine Support Arbor

Overview

A grape vine benefits a landscape in many ways, whether it is for the delicious fruit harvest or as an architectural element of beauty on a trellis or as a privacy wall. A grape vine trellis can double as an entryway, also known as a support arbor.This structure can support the grape vine while making it appear polished and elegant. When building your own arbor, take into consideration the size you want it to be and the location.

Step 1

Create the holes for the arbor support posts. Use a post digger to create four holes evenly spaced to fit your arbor's size (on average, size is 4 feet by 4 feet). The holes need to be about 2 feet deep and a little smaller in diameter then the posts. Layer 1/2 lb. of gravel in each hole.

Step 2

Set the 4-by-4-inch posts into the hole, twisting them gently and slowly until fully inserted into the hole. The edges should be tight and sturdy.

Step 3

Space apart evenly three holes with the drill bit on the front of each post. Insert an eye screw and a screw in each hole. Run the steel wire through the first drilled row of eyes. Cut the wire and twist around the post to secure. Repeat this procedure with the second row of eyes, cutting the wire at the end and securing it. Repeat the procedure with the third row of eyes. Make sure there aren't any sharp wire edges poking out so you don't injure yourself during future harvesting of fruit.

Step 4

Plant the grape vine plants, one at each post on the outer face. Depending on the specific grape variety, planting procedures may be different. On average, you dig a hole that is just deep enough for the transplant, then carefully spread out the vine's roots before placing into the hole. Backfill the soil and pack around the roots. Secure the strongest stems, tendrils and vines loosely to the wires with plant ties.

Things You'll Need

Post digger

2 lbs. gravel

Galvanized steel wire

Metal wire cutters

12 large eye screws

4 posts, 4 by 4 inches, 8 feet long

Power drill and drill bit

4 grape vine plants

Plant ties

Shovel

References

Grapevineyard.com: How to Grow Grapes:Why We Need To Build a Grape Trellis

Texas A&M: Grape Arbors

Avalon Wine: Trellising the Grape

Keywords:
building a trellis, building an arbor, grapvine arbors

About this Author

Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.